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Benga has removed himself from dubstep, insisting that he doesn’t want to be a part of the genre anymore.

The origins of most genres are fiercely debated. However dubstep arguably owes its birth to a particular time and a particular place: the Big Apple record shop in Croydon.

In the room upstairs the young Skream and Benga were introduced to the basics of production, fostering their own sound in the process. Their paths have since taken them in some unusual directions, while dubstep has become a globe conquering sound in the process.

Now Benga has severed any ties with the dubstep scene. Speaking to the NME, he said: “I’ve been seen to say that dubstep is the music of our generation, but that’s now changed. I believe now that certain artists are the future, I don’t want to be any part of dubstep anymore.”

It’s a sad statement from the producer, who helped to define the classic dubstep sound (140, wobble, enormous drops) and provided the scene with some of its most vital early anthems.

In the same interview, Skream offered some ruminations on the way dubstep as a genre has progressed. Arguing that “it was safe to say” dubstep was the music of his generation, the producer then said: “I think it’s been the fastest genre to become solidified. The only reason dubstep has a bad rep is because it’s become a trend.”

Skream and Benga are now focussing on Magnetic Man, who are currently planning their second album.